Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that comes together quickly — perfect for weeknight meals, easy dinners, or comforting food ideas. Tender garlic butter-seared chicken is tossed with bowtie pasta and enveloped in a luscious mozzarella cream sauce that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or an easy recipe with pantry staples that tastes like it came from a restaurant, this is your go-to!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
6. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
7. Add pasta and cooked chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Always use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt and texture.
Garlic cooks quickly — avoid burning it to maintain the sauce’s smooth flavor.
Don’t forget the reserved pasta water — it helps emulsify the sauce for a silkier finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, mozzarella sauce, bowtie pasta